Jeff Connor, 68, advertised Serena the mannequin recently on a Worthing buying and selling Facebook page. The humorous post said: "If you want to start a relationship with her, you can have her with my blessing for £25. Farewell my love."

Having set up the business 30 years ago, Jeff recruited the raven-haired mannequin and her blonde companion from Russia via eBay to display some of the types of clothes they clean, including wedding dresses and party frocks.

They had proven a real talking point, he said: "It is surprising what jokes you can have with mannequins. One customer asked if they were my girlfriends. I said 'yes, they are great girlfriends: they never have a headache, they never ask for money, but they are a bit boring in bed!"

The initial reaction of some customers was one of shock, however: "Some people walk through the door and think they are customers.

"There is something about dark hair and a dress that make them a bit frightened."

The advert got a few nibbles, and she will now 'continue her journey as a Hallowe'en model' after being sold for the asking price, Jeff said.

The other mannequin will remain at the dry cleaners after the layout is reorganised, Jeff said.